Toowoomba Wellcamp Airport Media Releases

TOOWOOMBA TAKES OFF AS AIRPORT CELEBRATES THIRD BIRTHDAY

Not only will the airport turn three today (November 17), it has won the 2017 Australian Airport Association’s (AAA) Innovation and Excellence Commercial Award for its cargo business.

Toowoomba Wellcamp Airport general manager Ms Sara Hales said the airport started with just 22 flights a week and now offered more than 80.

“Toowoomba’s own airport is now a multi-award-winning facility, with four major airlines and direct flights to Sydney, Melbourne, Cairns, Townsville, Brisbane and Western Queensland as well as a 747 freighter to Hong Kong. We are no longer just a start up – we are a credible, industry leading enterprise proudly serving Toowoomba and the Darling Downs,” said Ms Hales.

“This celebration is just as much a milestone for Toowoomba and the Darling Downs as it is for the airport. We are a community that is coming of age, from rich traditions to bold ambitions - from Toowoomba to the world.”

The country’s longest-serving airline, Qantas, was the first airline to service the airport followed by REX Airlines, Airnorth and Cathay Pacific Cargo.

The airport supports Regular Passenger Transport services as well charters, freighters, FIFO aircraft, general aviation, private jets, and aeromedical operators such as the Royal Flying Doctor Service.

This month the airport will also celebrate the first anniversary of its regular international Cathay Pacific Cargo service from Toowoomba Wellcamp Airport direct to Hong Kong, connecting globally on the Cathay Pacific cargo network to more than 107 destinations.

“Cargo is a fascinating and promising part of our business. We handle cargo on its way to all over the world – such as Germany, the US, South America, China, Vietnam, Philippines. We see a fascinating array of cargo on board the flight. From Jet engines to art work. From medical equipment to premium beef, from seasonal fruit to helicopters,” said Ms Hales.

QantasLink chief executive officer Mr John Gissing said the airline was pleased to mark three years of Toowoomba flights.

“As the first airline to operate passenger flights from Toowoomba Wellcamp Airport, we’ve now offered more than 300,000 seats on our Sydney services since the route launched in 2014,” Mr Gissing said.

“Congratulations to the team at Wellcamp on this milestone. QantasLink has a history of ensuring regional communities are well connected and we’re proud Toowoomba is a part of our network.”

Built with the future in mind, Toowoomba Wellcamp Airport boasts a 747 capable, 2.87km long runway, a world class passenger terminal, fully licensed international air cargo facilities, and is surrounded by the 500 ha Wellcamp Business Park designed to support growth of the airport and surrounding industries.